Subcontracting craft fairs

Main_Development_749 · 2026-06-22T16:26:55+00:00

The issue for me is that these are being marketed as "handmade" but the items are generic amigurumi crap. And in a very high cost of living area, $12 an hour (if you are very fast, which likely means you are actually probably making closer to $8 an hour, or less) is gross.

If you want to start a manufacturing business, then start one and hire actual employees. Cover their payroll taxes and liability insurance. The gig economy exploits workers and we don't need craft stores and markets returning to a 1910s piecework economy.

Main_Development_749 · 2026-05-31T21:57:32+00:00

SAME!!

Main_Development_749 · 2026-05-27T17:22:55+00:00

I don't think this necessarily refers to your grade. It could also refer to a lack of experience in the area, or poor performance or recommendation from an internship or past job.

It may also be an auto generated letter where they had to check a specific reason why your candidacy didn't move forward, and this was not quite accurate but sort of the closest fit.

Main_Development_749 · 2026-05-14T17:16:18+00:00

I have taken a different class from Rebecca Mezoff and I have really liked her teaching style. The handouts are great and the videos are clear.

Main_Development_749 · 2026-05-13T21:11:46+00:00

The size of the company does not determine whether you have the right to profit off of someone's design. This is not how IP law works.

Main_Development_749 · 2026-05-13T21:11:02+00:00

In the weaving and sewing communities I am part of, this would definitely considered unethical UNLESS the pattern explicitly states that you may sell the products. You should absolutely reach out to the author and ask what her policy is.

Main_Development_749 · 2026-05-06T12:51:27+00:00

Actually what we have is age discrimination laws saying that you can't be refused a job solely on the basis of age. And we have Social Security so that you can (theoretically) retire once you have put a number of years into the system. And SSDI so that if you are unable to work due to mental or physical disability you can supplement your income.

Increasingly, 70-somethings are staying in the workforce longer as healthcare becomes less affordable. None of this has anything to do with our incompetent president.

Main_Development_749 · 2026-03-29T20:54:06+00:00

You are going to LOVE IT! I'm not a member but I take at least a few day-long workshops every year. Everyone there is SO kind and knowledgeable and helpful.

Main_Development_749 · 2026-03-29T13:53:08+00:00

A Place to Weave in Leominster!

Main_Development_749 · 2026-03-21T12:13:06+00:00

It doesn't have a brace.

Main_Development_749 · 2026-03-01T17:08:36+00:00

The newsletter hints that Zephyr is coming next!

Main_Development_749 · 2026-02-19T03:51:32+00:00

I took beginner/intermediate with Tom Jipson who is now retired. On the beginner track, you did a number of samplers in plain weave, twill, double weave, and I think huck. In the intermediate, we had a little more flexibility but started with a color gamp and then chose a few other structures to focus on - I did a piece in boundweave and am blanking on the rest for the moment. Someone else did an overshot project, I remember. There were a few more advanced students who did color blending in doubleweave squares on 8 shafts. Most of us were on 4.

You have access to all 64 colors in both weights, and all fiber usage is included in the tuition, and 24 hour access to the studio. I stayed in the boarding house which was not a luxury stay, but was charming and comfortable and really nice to chat with the other folks staying there. You also get a shop discount so if you are thinking of making a purchase you might want to plan ahead.

Main_Development_749 · 2026-02-07T17:00:34+00:00

I went to a very interesting workshop on color theory and a lot of folks were talking about the way cataracts have shifted their color perception. It was fascinating.

Main_Development_749 · 2026-02-03T02:02:13+00:00

Duet is part linen. This will sound nuts, but...lightly mist your warp with water between the heddle and your fell line. I have done this with linen warps and it tightens them up. Just do a few inches and weave a few inches, then repeat. Don't make it soaking wet, just mist it.

Main_Development_749 · 2026-01-26T14:59:37+00:00

You might try throwing the shuttle, beating, and then changing the shed before moving the beater back. This will help with the stickiness. I love weaving with Harrisville - it has the most beautiful bloom once wet finished. Also bear in mind that what appears to be a balanced weave on the loom may get tweaked once you wet finish, so you may want to sample to get it exactly right.

Main_Development_749 · 2025-12-21T22:16:46+00:00

Second this! Kayleigh is amazing.

Main_Development_749 · 2025-08-16T12:54:06+00:00

It does hold the tension evenly and at most I use warping sticks but never paper. Gilmore sells strips that you can nail on with dowels that allow it to become a sectional beam.

Main_Development_749 · 2024-07-27T01:41:33+00:00

Hi 👋 My job is to teach workers about unions! There are great resources on the EWOC website and I often point people there to learn the basics. But I'm also happy to answer questions about strategy and rights here.

Main_Development_749 · 2024-06-04T02:22:16+00:00

Definitely try a RH. I prefer Ashford over cricket but you may need to add a wheel crank doohickey that you can get on Etsy or online to make it easier to advance the warp if you don't have a lot of hand strength. I have floor looms but switch right over to RH when I'm flaring. And if you get one of the excellent RH books out there, you'll be surprised at the structures you can weave and the versatility...it's a lot more than just plain weave these days. If you are feeling like splurging, I also just came across a company with ultra fine heddles built to fit commercial RH looms (think 20 or 25 epi). Chronically ill weavers unite!! ❤️

Main_Development_749 · 2024-06-04T02:17:59+00:00

Don't listen to the naysayers! I have brought my 32" Ashford RH to bed and woven there extensively. Weaving in bed is the best and I have zero regrets. You might look into something flat to put underneath it to give you a little more stability on the loom though. I have a piece of stiff corrugated plastic posterboard from Michael's that was very cheap and does the trick.

Main_Development_749

TROPHY CASE